White smoke coming from the gear shift in a ML500
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Joined: Jan 2013
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ML500
White smoke coming from the gear shift in a ML500
Hi, I've owned my ML500 since 2002 where I bought it new, and I've accumulated about 98k miles on it. I recently had to replace the motor which has 49k miles on it. The problem that just happened to me last night was that it didn't start, despite that I saw almost every light on the dash on. I eventually got it turn on by pressing down on the brake pedal before starting it. Now normally all of the lights should turn on, then off but only a few turned off. All of the lights for ABS/ESP, Low Range, and Check Engine came on. It was then that I started to smell burning in the cabin, and white smoke started coming out of the gear shift lever. Also, I had a leak in my sun roof earlier today that dripped onto the center console which caused the windows not to roll down.
I haven't taken it to a technician yet, but wanted some opinions on what the problem could be before I did. Thanks for any help you can provide.
I haven't taken it to a technician yet, but wanted some opinions on what the problem could be before I did. Thanks for any help you can provide.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
The sunroof leak shorted out the electronic circuit board in the shifter module. You will need another one, but don't buy it new. Look in the junk yards for any W163 ML from 2000-2006, they are all the same.
